GCSE

What Is Business Studies?

Business Studies is not just a theory-based course, it is about real life. It will help you to learn about businesses and the way they operate in today’s society. You will gain skills which will be useful in a wide range of jobs, in the further study of Business Studies and in your personal life.

Business Studies can contribute to your knowledge and understanding of:-

The issues involved in citizenship

Moral, ethical, social and cultural issues.

Environmental themes which affect businesses and business practice.

The effects of the UK’s membership of the European Community on businesses and business practice.

Why Is Business Studies Useful?

Business plays an essential role in our society. Government, business leaders and education forums are placing an increasing emphasis on enterprise and more importantly, preparing the young ‘business’ people of the future for working life. In order to gain a better understanding of business and the part it plays in our day-to-day lives and to develop the competitiveness of our business community, this is an essential subject to study at GCSE Level.

What Will You Learn?

How to use business vocabulary

To work individually and as part of a team.

How to analyse business problems and issues.

How to evaluate evidence and communicate arguments clearly.

How to use ICT and how changes in ICT affect the way in which businesses operate.

Using case studies ensures that pupils have knowledge, understanding and experience of the real world of business organisations.

Scheme Of Assessment

The Scheme of Assessment comprises three components:-

Unit 1: Business Start Up

35% of the marks

1 hour & 20 mins

External written exam – structured questions.

Unit 2: Business Development

40% of the marks

1 hour & 40 mins

External written exam – three structured questions with an incline of difficulty.

Unit 3: Controlled Assessment

25% of the marks

Controlled Assessment

Candidates complete one task from a range of tasks released in September each year. The controlled assessment requires pupils to conduct research under limited supervision. Approximately 12 hours should be spent on this task. Candidates complete an independent report on the findings of their research. This is done under supervision and should take approximately 3 hours. Candidates must write their report within 4 weeks of completing the research.

Subject Content

The GCSE course in divided into seven main themes over two units. The themes are as follows:-